Moving from Memphis to Chattanooga, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Memphis to Chattanooga costs between $382 to $7,736 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 337-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Memphis to Chattanooga
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Memphis to Chattanooga are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Memphis to driving and unloading in Chattanooga, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 337 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,085 - $5,797 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,396 - $2,607 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $415 - $876 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Cord Moving and Storage | $125/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Memphis to Chattanooga?
It costs between $382 to $7,736 to move from Memphis to Chattanooga. The prices below break down your 337-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,240 - $7,736
- Moving containers: $1,039 - $3,150
- Rental trucks: $382 - $977
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,240 - $4,726 | $1,039 - $1,952 | $382 - $725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,085 - $5,797 | $1,396 - $2,607 | $415 - $876 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,361 - $7,736 | $1,792 - $3,150 | $520 - $977 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $258 - $2,150+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $125/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $45/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $172 - $688 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $43 - $172 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Memphis to Chattanooga
At 337 miles, your Memphis to Chattanooga move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Memphis to Chattanooga. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 337 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
The Armstrong Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Memphis to Chattanooga. They've been in business since 1957 (69 years of experience) and 91.1% of their 213 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga to Memphis guide.
Considerations when moving from Memphis to Chattanooga
Cost of living: Memphis vs. Chattanooga
When comparing the cost of living between Memphis and Chattanooga, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Chattanooga stacks up against Memphis.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Memphis | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,299 | $1,475 |
| Average home cost | $154,209 | $259,125 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,211 | $61,028 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.75% | 9.25% |
- Rent prices in Chattanooga are 14% higher than in Memphis. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Chattanooga are 68% higher than in Memphis, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 19% higher than in Memphis. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Chattanooga are 79% higher than in Memphis, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Your cost of living in Chattanooga will be roughly the same as it was in Memphis, so your budget should stay on track after the move.
- Unemployment in Chattanooga is 30% lower than in Memphis. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Chattanooga and Memphis, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,370 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Memphis.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Chattanooga
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Chattanooga vs. Memphis. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Memphis | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 181,099 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 53.8-44.1 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 54" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 3" | 2" |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 53.89 |
Chattanooga sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Chattanooga has about 71% fewer people than Memphis. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Chattanooga leaned Republican, while Memphis went Democratic.
- Both Chattanooga and Memphis average summer highs close to 89°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Memphis and Chattanooga experience similar winter lows, with Memphis reaching 30°F and Chattanooga getting down to 28°F.
- Both Memphis and Chattanooga see about the same yearly rainfall—Memphis averages 54 inches, while Chattanooga gets 51 inches each year.
- Both Memphis and Chattanooga get about the same amount of snow annually—Memphis averages 3 inches, while Chattanooga gets 2 inches.
- Chattanooga is safer than Memphis, boasting a lower crime index of 53.89 compared to Memphis’s 77.49.
Things to do in Chattanooga
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Chattanooga has you covered.
Museums in Chattanooga
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Coker Museum - Honest Charley
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- International Towing and Recovery Museum
Parks in Chattanooga
- Coolidge Park Tennessee
- Riverpark Ross's Landing Park
- Enterprise South Nature Park
- Chickamauga Dam
- Tennessee River Park
Sports teams in Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)
- Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One)
Universities in Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Tennessee Temple University
- University of Tennessee -College of Medicine
- Richmont Graduate University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Memphis to Chattanooga?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Memphis to Chattanooga, expect to pay between $1,248 and $3,625 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,085 and $5,797. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $3,361 up to $7,736 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Memphis to Chattanooga?
If you’re moving from Memphis to Chattanooga and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $710 and go up to $1,717. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,396 and $2,607. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,792 and $3,150.
How much is a moving truck from Memphis to Chattanooga?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $394 to $747. A larger move will cost $415 to $876, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Memphis to Chattanooga costs from $520 to $977.
How far in advance should I book Memphis-to-Chattanooga movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Memphis to Chattanooga at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Memphis-to-Chattanooga movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chattanooga?
To save money on your move to Chattanooga, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
